Rios didn't panic after starting the season 1-for-9. In fact, only once has Rios played more than two consecutive games without getting at least one hit. Since that three-game game drought June 17-19, Rios has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games while raising his batting average from .288 to .308 and stabilizing the middle of the Sox's lineup.

He already has 10 home runs after just 13 in 2011, and his 42 RBIs are two away from last season's total.

There were no wake-up calls or intense speeches over the winter, although the timing seemed appropriate when agent Paul Kinzer made a visit to Rios' offseason home in Puerto Rico in November.

At the time, Alejandro De Aza already had earned the leadoff spot and Rios' former position in center field, and the Sox were exploring trade possibilities for Carlos Quentin to make room for Dayan Viciedo, who was excelling at Rios' preferred position in right field.

Kosuke Fukudome was signed three months later, presumably to handle tough right-handed pitchers and serve as insurance in case Rios had another slow start.

The crux of Kinzer's trip, however, was merely to check on his client's well-being and to see that he was making changes at the plate.

"I just wanted to make sure that he knew he had to make some adjustments," said Kinzer, who emphasized that Rios is a friend and "low-maintenance" client. "He's had enough batting coaches that I didn't need to tell him specifically what to do. But I wanted to check on his well-being. He takes things pretty hard. Sometimes people don't realize it."

The other major development came during the first week of spring training, when new manager Robin Ventura said the Sox's outfield was at its strongest with Rios moving back to right — even if it mean Viciedo learning his fourth position in four years in left.

While Viciedo has steadily improved in left and no longer is lifted for defensive purposes, Rios has returned to being the all-around talent the Sox thought they were getting three years ago when he was claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays.

On June 24 — the only game that Rios didn't get at least one hit during that 11-game span — he robbed the Brewers' Corey Hart of a two-run homer by making a leaping catch.

It was a microcosm of his season — when he's not helping with his bat, he's helping with his glove.